French President Macron Makes Unannounced Visit to Riyadh
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, based on data published by Mehr News Agency, citing Al Jazeera, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, as the final unscheduled destination of his regional tour, according to the French presidency’s office.
The Elysée Palace announced that Macron is visiting the country to express France’s solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in confronting attacks from Yemen.
Macron is the first Western head of state to visit Saudi Arabia since the escalation of tensions this month.
Macron’s flight from Qatar to Saudi Arabia concludes his regional tour of the Persian Gulf states. During this tour, the French president sought to expand strategic partnerships by visiting the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Macron also stated that during this trip, he secured commitments from his partners in the Persian Gulf countries to increase energy supply.
This visit occurs at a time when France is facing a wave of domestic unrest. Student protests, which began in mid-September in objection to education budget shortfalls and unsuitable school conditions, have spread to various cities. During violent clashes last weekend, public buildings were set ablaze, shops were looted, and approximately 2,400 people were arrested.
